Authorities searching for a missing Pleasant Hill hunter in Vernon County, Mo. say they have found the man's boat, dog, and personal items.

Authorities say Adam Nixson, a 29-year-old sheet metal worker from Pleasant Hill, went duck hunting with his chocolate lab at the Four Rivers Conservation Area in Vernon County back on December 28. Nixson never returned.

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Missouri Highway Patrol troopers along with Vernon County deputies and agencies from across the state have been conducting a massive search in the area where they believe Nixson's boat may have capsized. Their effort has been hampered by flooding and rising water in the area.

A Vernon County detective confirms Nixson's overturned boat, dog, and personal items have been located. Crews will now begin to drain the area where Nixson was last believed to be.

Nixson's father said Nixson was an experienced hunter. His dog and boat were both located along a tree line commonly used by hunters in the area.

He went on to say that this has been an incredibly emotional ordeal and family members are keeping in contact with the searchers.

Family members have established a GoFundMe page as a scholarship fund to help Nixson's wife and two young sons.